How to Pick a Baby Name

Possibly the most interesting part of preparing for a new child is getting to pick out the name! There are so many to choose from, so how do you narrow down the list? How you and your spouse/partner agree on the same name?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• any baby name book; Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and even your local library have great ones.
• pencil and paper
• inspiration
• patience!

1. 

   Make a list of as many names as possible that you like initially. A great resource is a baby name book (the thicker the book, the better--usually). You may also get names from TV, radio, movies, daily conversations; almost anywhere you can find inspiration is a good place to look. Think about the name and its possible meanings. Say the name out loud and listen to it with your last name attached. You may base your likes/dislikes on sound, length, meaning, spelling, special people in your family, or a host of other factors. The important thing is that you like the name in combination with your last name (this is a life-long decision...).

2. Put the list away and don't look at for at least three days, or even up to a week. The way you feel toward a name on one day may not be the same on a different day. Spend time talking to your spouse/partner, family and friends about possible name choices. Sometimes other people can be a good source of inspiration.

3. 

   Take out your list periodically (at least once per week) and with your spouse/partner, go through the list calling out each name out loud, repeating it in your head, along with the meaning and/or spelling. As you come to names you both don't like, cross them off the list. If there is a name that one of you particularly likes but the other does not, mark that name so you can come back to it later.

4. 

   From your "master list", create a list for each one of you that narrows down your individual top picks to 5 first names and 5 middle names (if you choose to have a middle name) for a total of top 10 names between you both (it is ok if some names appear on both lists).

5. 

   Each one of you should privately make a list of your favorite first and middle names, with your most favorite at the top. You should only use your list and should not look at your spouse/partner's list at all! What you are going for is what YOU want, and that has to be independent of what your spouse/partner wants.

6. 

   Cut out your names along with their respective numbers attached, and fold them up and swap your list with your spouse/partner's list. You both may be pretty surprised at what you each like! If you and your spouse/partner are like-minded, your top choice will be the same name; if not, keep reading.

7. 

   Compromise! If there is a name that each of you are particularly attached to, and you don't like each other's top name, agree to give up both top names. Once you both can let go of the emotions attached to that top name that you can't agree on, it will be much easier to pick one that you both like.

Tips & Warnings

• Create your list of favorite names without your spouse/partner's input; this should be purely your choice.
• Think about how each name will apply to your child at all stages of life; there are some names out there that just seem too juvenile when the person is, say, their 30s.
• You don't have to choose a name until the baby is actually born, so don't panic! Just take your time and put some real thought into it!
• Consider any and all nicknames for the name you choose; sometimes a name seems great, but the nicknames are not so catchy or meaningful.
• The name chosen for your baby should be one that you BOTH like. Do not try to "force" your spouse/partner to agree to your name, and do not simply agree to a name that you don't like to avoid an argument. Remember, you AND your spouse/partner, together, will be the parents of this child, and no one wants to end up disliking and/or regretting their child's name.
• If you do not have a name agreed upon by the time the baby is born, you will have to put "baby boy" or "baby girl" on the birth certificate application. But don't panic! You can always change it later, it just takes more paperwork and hassles.
• Be aware that in some cases the name you choose can become the schoolyard joke as your child grows up; people often draw at least part of their identity from their given name.

[2besure]

on 5/13/2008 I needed this 32 years ago. Good ideas.